Field-usable portable analyzer for chlorinated organic compounds. Topical report, September 1992--May 1994
Through a U.S. DOE-funded program, an advanced chlorinated organic (RCL) vapor monitor has been built and tested in actual hazardous waste site operations. The monitor exploits the analytical capabilities of a solid-state sensor which was recently developed and has remarkable selectivity for chlorinated organic vapors at sub-parts-per-million sensitivity. The basic design goal of a user-friendly, reliable, instrument with a broad dynamic range for the selective detection of chlorinated solvent vapors was demonstrated. To date, no non-halogen-containing compound has been identified that induces a measurable response on the sensor, including commonly encountered contaminants such as BTXs (benzene, toluene, and xylenes) or POLs (petroleum, oils, lubricants). In addition to the development of the RCL MONITOR, advanced sampler systems were developed to further extend the analytical capability of this instrument, allowing chemical analyses to be performed for both vapor phase and condensed contamination. The sampling methods include fixed dilution, preconcentration, and closed-loop air stripping for condensed media. With uniform success, these different series of field tests were conducted at DOE facilities on several types of samples. Independent cost-benefit analysis has concluded that significant cost savings can be achieved using the RCL MONITOR in DOE applications. This effort provides a sound fundamental technology base for the development of advanced analytical methods that are needed by the US DOE. In addition, advanced methods for detecting chlorinated hydrocarbons that are made possible by this technology will save time, reduce costs, and improve human health and safety in restoration operations. To fully achieve all possible cost savings, continued effort is necessary to develop validated methods for the use of the RCL MONITOR. The development of methods through case studies is the theme of the Phase II effort, which is currently underway.
- Research Organization:
- Science Applications International Corp., Arlington, VA (United States). Center for Seismic Studies
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC21-92MC29118
- OSTI ID:
- 155160
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/MC/29118-5014; ON: DE96000584; TRN: 96:000508
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: May 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Field-usable portable analyzer for chlorinated organic compounds
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